Waiting for Santa...

Some of you have asked to see our new granddaughter, well, here she is! At six months old, in her old-fashioned sleeping cap, Rebecca is waiting for Santa to deliver lots of gifts for her tree!

Hey - I think this one is for me!

Christmas Time is Here

From Charlie Brown Christmas

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"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a New Year full of blessings!!

Vintage Needlecraft

I recently purchased a lot of vintage linens found in an attic trunk. Some of them are Victorian. I am just so enamored with the detail work on these linens.... the cutwork, the embroidery, the edging - it is all fabulous! I always imagine the hours it must have taken someone to finish these beauties. Most of this fabulous needlework is done on huck linen toweling aka hucking and huckabuck (a relatively coarse weave of fabric originating in Sweden ca 1600 and before). They all washed up nice and white and are just a sight to behold and a pleasure to touch. Here are a few of my favorites...

Intricately Crocheted Doily

Beautiful Roses Cutwork and Embroidery Tablecloth

Tiny Pink Roses Trimming on Huck Linen Towel

Monogrammed Victorian Bath Towel - W

Lovely Cutwork Butterfly and Embroidery on Huck Linen Towel

These linens and many more in my shop.

White Christmas - Cottage Style

from ArtfulMstudio

The Cottage Style Street Team on etsy is a wonderful group that I am proud to be affiliated with. They are genuinely caring and, did I mention, extremely talented. They tirelessly promote for each other and create some of the happiest art represented on etsy. This post is dedicated to the CSSTeam. I am presenting a sampling of the White Christmas goodness artfully crafted by these ladies...

from HeathersCottage

from LittleThings1

from SunshineandRavioli

from karlanathan

from OutOnAWhim

from SouthernLadysVintage

from VintageByCrystal


from CatnipStudioToo

from MyEuropeanTouch

Etsy's Front Page

My Homespun Christmas Wreath was on the front page of etsy today. I have had other items on the front page, but have never gotten to see myself on the front page - I didn't even know it was in a treasury. This wreath was made from jute webbing, a straw wreath, some straight pins and hot glue. I also made little ones to intermingle in with the garland going up my staircase. We are definitely having a homespun Christmas this year!

Thanks to Elllipsis for including it in with her treasury!

Crochet Fever - I'm Hooked!

Well, I've got it. If it came with a fever, I would be burning up! I had forgotten how much fun it is to crochet. Have not done it in decades... it all started when looking for scarves to accompany the wool coats I bought my daughters for Christmas. Could not find what I wanted - nothing was just right. After all, my baby is freezing her tail off in Germany now and needs coverage and warmth. So I thought, well, I used to crochet, I can just make her a scarf ... one visit to the Hobby Lobby Walls of Yarn and I was hooked!! Wow, the yarns... there are so many fabulous textures, weaves and colors. You don't have to be a "fancy" hooker (hehe) to make gorgeous scarves, just a few simple stitches! Here are some of my creations so far...

These are for sale in one of my etsy shops. Click on the pics to link there - Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!!

I am Thankful...

http://www.ducttapeanddenim.etsy.com/

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I always think about my daughter Becky, who is living in Germany now, this time of year. She was five and in kindergarten and asked by the teacher what she was most thankful for and she said "cranberry sauce".

As I get older, I am mellowing some, as all good cheese and good wine does. I am a little fatter than I would like to be and my knees don't work as well as they used to, but I do see that I have much to be thankful for. We all do. This crazy world that we live in just goes faster and faster, spinning out of control. Or it seems to be, but we must remember that it is not and that our faith is not in this world, but the one to come. Those of you that know me know that I put my faith in the Lord, I have to. Life is just to scary without that firm hand to guide me and that unconditional love that envelopes me and carries me through life.

It has been a tough year for us, three deaths in our family, some surgeries, family illnesses and traumas, but the Lord has been faithful. In amongst the turmoil, there He is, with His steady hand and loving arms. He is there for all of us, we just need to call out to Him and open our hearts. So this Thanksgiving, inspite of it seeming to be one of the worst years of my life, it really has been one of the best. The best because all the hurt that I have felt has drawn me closer to Him - I am most thankful for Jesus. He has surrounded me with a wonderful loving family and caring friends. I am thankful!

I wish you all the best Thanksgiving ever, and though times are tough and it seems there is no answer, there is, He is standing right in front of you, waiting. All your problems will not go away, but you will have a friend, that sticks closer than a brother. Happy Thanksgiving, My Friends - Enjoy your friends and family and be safe!

Some of my favorite Thanksgiving items from Etsy...

http://www.littlethings1.etsy.com/

http://www.goodandplenty.etsy.com/


http://www.dizzeelizzee.etsy.com/


http://www.truluxe.etsy.com/


http://www.basketsbypeggy.etsy.com/

The View from My Chair

I just love this time of year....the swan song of the leaves in brilliant colors and the sky is so blue. It was warm here today so I headed for the back porch with a book and parked myself in my favorite chair to enjoy the warm sun, blue sky and quiet - could not resist a pic or two to share - Hope you enjoy....

Thanks for stopping by - hope you all have a great week!!

Vintage Pillow Cases

I just love vintage pillow cases - beautiful hand embroidery work, to-die-for hand crochet edging and the crisp cool feel of cotton muslin on your cheek! I don't care how much money I spend, I cannot find one equal in quality to the ones from yesterday. All the seams on the inside are french seams, making for a tidy inside. No detail was omitted when these were crafted. Some ladies made their own cases before adding the wonderful details that make these so special. Can you imagine the time that it took - Here are some of my favorites....

Lovely Southern Belle

White on White - My favorite

Pink Variegated on Cool Cotton

Sweet Butterflies on Crisp Muslin
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For these and more lovely vintage textiles, please visit my shop at http://www.catnapcottage.net/

Vintage Market Sale on Etsy - Nov 8th & 9th

Vintage 1970s Bag from bytheway

Bring your purse and shop in your fuzzy slippers - Etsy's Vintage Market Sale is coming November 8th & 9th. Etsy Sellers are known for having the most unique vintage finds anywhere. Leave the searching and finding to us, sit back with your favorite beverage and shop these fabulous goods - nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a truly unique gift. Here are a few examples of items you will find...

Six Vintage Ivory Lucite Bangle Bracelets from susantique

Vintage Glass Condiment - Spice Jars from reprise


Yashica-Mat Vintage TLR twin lens reflex camera from SupplyFascination


Vintage Banjo Brooch from GeneralWhimsy2


Vintage Enamel Bread Box Eames Era Beauty Box by Lincoln from Carriers Cozy Cottage


Vintage WIDE Chunky Bracelet from mysouthernlace


Yummy Candy Dish in Mustard from daisytoad

Vintage Custurd Cups - White Milkglass - Made by Glassbake from CatNapCottage

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These and many more fabulous vintage finds - search "vms" on etsy - Mark your Calendar!!
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VMS Search - Click Here

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Many thanks to my friend Mona over at Carriers Cozy Cottage for organizing this fabulous event!!

Etsy Storque

Daniellexo, an admin for etsy, featured my turquoise bedspread in an article that she wrote for the Storque entitled "This Handmade Colorful Home". She also included lots of colorful room decor such as paintings and pillows. Click on the pic to take a Look....

Photo by hgtv.com

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You girls know how much I love my vintage chenilles, especially my peacocks. It made me smile! I also found the turquoise peacock in one of the gift guides.......

Holidy Gift Guide - Over $100

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Thanks Daniellexo!!